Hacker Quote by Ted Koppel
““None of these people has suggested that there is anything simple about sabotaging a grid; they say only that the capability exists, an opinion shared by specialists who have no financial interest in the field. When I asked Janet Napolitano, who is now president of the University of California, what she thinks the chances are that a nation-state or independent actor could knock out one of our power grids, she replied, “Very high—80 percent, 90 percent. You know, very, very high.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: PBS NewsHour, 2007
The quote stresses that grid sabotage is technically possible and likely, as experts agree on the capability despite lacking financial motives.
In simple terms: Grid sabotage is possible and likely.
Recognize and mitigate grid vulnerabilities.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- energy sector
- emergency preparedness
- government oversight
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards are currently in place?
- How can we balance security with transparency?
High probability may be overstated without concrete evidence.